prop

Everyday

1. An object used by actors in a play or film, like a sword, a crown or a cup. tree →
2. A stick, beam or other thing used to hold something up. tree →
3. (verb) To support something so it doesn't fall, or to lean it against something: «prop the door open». tree →
4. (rugby) A player in the front row of the scrum. tree →
5. (informal) A propeller. tree →

In the lessons

In school plays, the props table holds things actors need. In everyday life, «prop the door open» or «prop up a plant». In science, a prop is a support that stops something falling. Fire safety: fire doors must not be propped open. Phrases: «prop up», «prop open», «stage props».

Examples

• We made a paper crown as a prop for the play. tree →
• Prop the bike against the wall. tree →
• Don't prop open the fire door. tree →
• Dad propped up the tomato plant with a stick. tree →
• She propped her head on her hand. tree →
• The prop pushed hard in the rugby scrum. tree →
• With a willow cane he propped himself up as he staggered along beneath his burden. tree →

Note

Past: propped (double «p»). «Props to you» is slang for «well done». A prop in a play looks real but often isn't — prop swords are blunt.